Young Island: Private Island Elegance at the Gateway to the Grenadines

Young Island is a tiny private island just off the southern coast of St. Vincent, combining tropical gardens, a sandy beach and calm Caribbean water within sight of the mainland. Positioned beside Young Island Cut and only a short distance from Blue Lagoon, it makes an excellent first or final stop on a St. Vincent and the Grenadines yacht charter. The island is home to Young Island Resort and is reached from mainland St. Vincent by a short private boat transfer.

The setting feels considerably more secluded than its location suggests. Young Island Resort is spread through lush tropical grounds with cottages tucked between the beach and hillside, while the waterfront offers swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and other non-motorized water sports. The surrounding water is clear and relatively sheltered, making Young Island particularly appealing for a relaxed afternoon before continuing south through the Grenadines.

Young Island also sits beside one of southern St. Vincent's most recognizable historic landmarks. Fort Duvernette occupies a dramatic volcanic rock just offshore and was established by the British during the 1790s. From Young Island, charter guests can also easily reach Indian Bay, Villa Beach and Blue Lagoon, while Bequia lies across the channel to the south.

Young Island Cut separates Young Island from the southern coast of St. Vincent and provides one of the area's established yacht anchorages. The cut is open at both ends and can be entered either from the south through Calliaqua Bay near Blue Lagoon or from the west between Young Island and Indian Bay. Despite being open-ended, the anchorage benefits from useful protection from most directions.

The proximity of reefs, moorings and regular small-boat traffic means captains should approach with normal Caribbean caution and use current charts and local information. Young Island Cut is only around half a mile west of Blue Lagoon, so yachts can easily move between the two areas depending on berth availability, draft and weather conditions. Bequia is also close enough to make Young Island a natural departure point for the first southbound passage of a Grenadines itinerary.

Young Island Cut is the principal anchorage for visiting yachts. Cruising guidance describes good holding in approximately 5 to 6 meters over sand, with the eastern part of the anchorage generally experiencing less rolling. Mooring buoys are also commonly used in the cut, although crews should inspect any mooring and confirm its current condition before relying on it.

The anchorage's position between Young Island and mainland St. Vincent gives charter guests easy tender access to both sides of the channel. Young Island Resort sits directly beside the water, while Indian Bay and Villa are only a short distance away on the mainland. For yachts seeking marina facilities rather than remaining at anchor, nearby Blue Lagoon provides an established alternative.

Young Island is a privately operated resort island covered in tropical gardens and designated as a wildlife preserve. The resort currently offers 29 cottages together with a beach, restaurant, bars, swimming pool, spa, tennis and water sports. Hiking paths cross the island and provide views toward St. Vincent and Fort Duvernette.

The island also has an interesting local history. According to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Young Island takes its name from Sir William Young, a former British governor, with local tradition linking the island's name to an exchange involving Garifuna leader Joseph Chatoyer. Today, its private-island atmosphere and immediate proximity to the main yachting routes make it one of the most distinctive stops near southern St. Vincent.